As RevSportz completes four years, it is important that we underline a few key points about our fraternity. First and foremost, we are a divided lot – and often jealous of each other. Despite being a very small fraternity, there are deep divisions, and perhaps that is why there is never a collective voice. The truth is, this does not help. When someone needs support, he or she is often alone. Given our fragmented nature, there is no proper organisation or body to step up and do something. That is what we want to address in our fifth year of existence.
Let me give you an example. A senior journalist who has reached out to me for a job in the past and interacted with me multiple times went behind my back and told a common contact that RevSportz is not sustainable because we are spending huge amounts of money on reporting and sending people on assignments. According to him, we have no real understanding of the business and will fold in a year or so. The problem for him is that he did not realise his words would come back to me verbatim. Even more interestingly, the same journalist continues to ask for a job!
There are other examples, but they are better left alone. What we intend to do is the real subject of this piece. For young aspiring journalists and senior journalists nearing retirement, a foundation, or rather a body, that can offer basic support is a dire need. Some amount of monetary and other assistance (such as internships and other opportunities) can be invaluable when someone is cutting their teeth in the profession. Similarly, medical support could make a real difference for those who need help with healthcare. While the amounts may be modest, they will at least help people take the first step.
The plan is to launch this initiative at the fourth edition of the Trailblazers Conclave in Kolkata in March 2026. We already have the framework in place, and three of our investors will head the body. Journalists will be able to write to them stating their needs, and applications will be independently evaluated and decided upon. RevSportz will set aside a corpus for this purpose, and we will also raise funds through personal contributions and corporate support. The complete plan should be in place by March 31, 2026.
We are conscious that this will be a small step, but it is a step nonetheless. The heart is in the right place, and there has to be a beginning. Even if a few people from the fraternity benefit from the effort, that will be reward enough. And yes, it will also be proof that we are here to stay! Keep throwing stones at us; we will keep converting them into milestones, as Sachin always said. Four years of effort is testimony to that.
For more updates, follow the Revsportz app.